State Buyer Programs

First-Time Home Buyer
Programs in New Jersey

Down payment assistance, transfer tax rates, and what to expect at closing when buying your first home in New Jersey.

New Jersey First-Time Buyer Overview

State Housing Agency
New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (NJHMFA) →

Your state's HFA is the primary source for below-market mortgages and down payment assistance programs.

Down Payment Assistance Programs
NJHMFA First-Time Homebuyer Mortgage Program
Down payment assistance up to $15,000 (or $17,500 in select cities)

Income limits vary by county and household size.

Learn more →
Transfer Tax Rate
1% (realty transfer fee on buyer)

New Jersey Realty Transfer Fee: 1% on the first $350,000, 1.5% above that, for properties over $1M: 2.5%. Additional surcharges may apply. One of the higher transfer tax rates.

Attorney Required at Closing?
Yes — attorney state

New Jersey is an attorney-state. Attorneys are required on both sides of the transaction by strong custom and virtually all lenders.

Tools for Buying Your First Home in New Jersey

Pre-approval, inspection, insurance, and moving — the same trusted tools, relevant wherever you're buying in New Jersey.

Get Pre-Approved

Our Pick
Better Mortgage
Online pre-approval in minutes

Get a real pre-approval letter in about 3 minutes with no origination fee and no commission-hungry loan officer. Fully online — you won't get pressured into a bigger loan.

Get Pre-Approved →
Credible
Compare rates from multiple lenders

See real mortgage rates from multiple lenders side by side without your credit score taking a hit. Takes 3 minutes and you don't have to commit to anything.

Compare Rates →

Home Inspection

Inspectify
Book a licensed inspector online

Never skip the inspection. Inspectify lets you book a certified home inspector in your area in seconds. Digital reports, same-day availability in most markets.

Book an Inspection →

Home Insurance

Lemonade
Instant homeowners insurance quotes

Get a homeowners insurance quote in 90 seconds. Lemonade uses AI to underwrite policies faster than any traditional insurer — and claims are often paid in minutes.

Get a Quote →

Home Warranty

American Home Shield
Coverage for systems and appliances

When the HVAC dies three weeks after closing, you'll be glad you have a home warranty. AHS covers major systems like HVAC, plumbing, and electrical — plus appliances.

View Plans →

Moving

Moving.com
Compare moving company quotes

Get quotes from licensed movers in your area. Moving.com vets companies for licensing and insurance so you're not handing your stuff to a random guy with a truck.

Get Moving Quotes →

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